A base level Subaru Impreza sedan (manual transmission) with no added accessories is $19,720. I only see one slightly discounted to $18,946 in my area. $18,946 is almost $24,000 in Canadian funds. A base model does come with many nice features, & it is AWD.
The "STI Short Throw Shifter" is a $412 ($520 Canadian) accessory here. Since it is listed as an accessory, I would assume it's an add on item (where a dealer switches things out). Seems like you should get something for the original if that is the case. I would spend the money on something like that unless you could actually test drive one that has that option first. Then you could decide it's worth the extra money.
Just shopping some -
The Impreza is cheaper than the new Civic (manual), which doesn't have AWD.
The Toyota Corolla hatchback (manual) is slightly cheaper than the Impreza.
We only have the manual option of the Mazda3 hatchbacks, & they are expensive. They would be well over $30,000 in Canadian funds here.
If you want to go used, I think I found the perfect vehicle. Less than 5,500 miles, 4WD, and under $10,000 ($12,650 Canadian). Plus, it's a manual with a whopping 545cc twin cylinder engine! It even has curtains for the side windows!
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...5197/overview/
I am joking of course, but I have never seen one of these before. It would be unique!